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Monday, June 8, 2009

Depressed/Stressed pregnancy

I read this in my pregnancy e-newsletter from our local Army Hospital. Depression is one concern that I have already stressed (no pun intended) to my nurse practitioner. Both hubby and I know that I was depressed during and after my pregnancy with LMA, but I never spoke up to anyone about it. Or if I did mention it to my midwife, she dismissed it. Thankfully this time around, I have someone who is more appreciative of my concerns and with a background in psychology. Fortunately and unfortunately, this article did not apply to me. Because if it had, LMA would not have been forced out a week late.

"Depression in pregnancy increases risk of premature delivery

To learn more about how depression might affect a pregnancy, researchers surveyed almost 800 women in the San Francisco Bay area about their emotional state early in their pregnancies. Of these women, 42% reported significant symptoms of depression, and 22% reported having severe symptoms. Researchers found that the women who reported severe depression were twice as likely to deliver prematurely as women who didn't have any symptoms of depression. Premature delivery associated with depression appeared to increase with low educational level, a history of fertility problems, obesity, and stressful events. This research suggests that doctors should screen women for depression early in their pregnancy to help prevent premature delivery.

Source: Human Reproduction 24 (2009): 146-53."

As a side note, I can't believe that I am already halfway through this pregnancy. Compared to last time, the time has flown by. I'm sure it also helps to have a terrible two toddler to take care of to pass the time.